A school is tightening its security after a “scary clown” was seen chasing children in a nearby churchyard.

Police said no weapons were involved in the incident in Godmanchester on Wednesday afternoon.

Boys from Hinchingbrooke School were chased by a person, believed to be in a clown costume, in the churchyard at about 4pm.

A police spokesman said officers had been made aware of the incident and were appealing for information.

A man or a young adult in a red jumpsuit was reported as chasing the boys.

The incident is the latest in a “scary clown” craze in which people dress as clowns and jump out at and chase passers-by.

Police have already warned that deliberately causing distress to another person could lead to prosecution and Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite said people were being left traumatised and has welcomed the prosecution of offenders.

It is the third time that a “scary clown” has been reported as being seen in Godmanchester in the last week.

Rod Warsap, executive headteacher at Godmanchester Community Academy, said they were aware of the incident.

“We have reviewed our internal processes to make sure everyone is safe,” he said. “We have tightened security.”

Mr Warsap said safeguarding the children was the top priority and the school was in the process of installing a new fence, especially to protect the boundary with the adjacent churchyard.